CA Team - We have arrived!

We made it!! The Christian Assembly Kenya arrived safely and we all have so much to be thankful for. It is Sunday morning and a few of us are sitting and singing at the gazebo at the bend of the river at the Kipkaren Training Center enjoying the beauty of God’s amazing creation. This place is a welcome refreshment after what seems like endless flights and waiting in line to get here. We definitely had a way of picking the longest line to check our bags in, to re-check our bags, to go through security, and to go through customs. We flew from LAX to London and then from London to Nairobi. Our first night in Nairobi, we got about 4 hours of sleep at the Mayfield Guesthouse before having to catch another flight to Eldoret.
The last leg of our journey to Kipkaren was a bumpy van ride through the countryside. Our eyes were opened to the vast beauty of the land as well as the poverty we saw along the way. A little groggy and overwhelmed, none of us were prepared for the amazing greeting we would receive at the gate of the children’s home. As we rounded the last curve of the muddy red clay road to the village we heard the amazing sound of children’s voices. There wasn’t a dry eye as we stumbled out of the vans to be welcomed by the smiling faces of 100 children and the Empowering Lives staff. They sang, gave us flowers, and shook all of our hands and echoed “Karibu!” (or “welcome”) as we entered.
Since then we’ve taken a tour of the Children’s Home, met several staff, enjoyed some wonderful hot meals together, and tried to get caught up on sleep. We’ve all been so blessed by the joy and hospitality of our hosts here. It’s been an encouragement for all of us to meet or be reunited with Julie McGowan as well. Right now we’re off to join the village for Sunday worship. Our journey has only just begun and we’re excited to continue to be floored by God’s goodness and provision. Please pray that we will all be over jetlag soon so that we will be able to have open eyes and ready hearts. We’re still missing one piece of personal luggage, so we would love your prayers for that to be found. Everyone says to say hello to parents, siblings, roommates, spouses, and children. We miss you all and will share more soon!
CA Kenya Team